21 replies to this topic

[Dolenz]

I am definitely planning this again this year as my big hike. I regret not making it to the top.

As others have said it is a non-stop uphill climb with no real flat sections so pacing yourself to a confortable pace seems a relly good idea.

Looking at the time stamp on the pictures it looks as if it took me just shy of 2 1/2 hours from Bear Lake to the point where I turned back. This was only my second full day in the park so it was probably too soon to attempt this and I did have to stop and catch my breath a lot!

As always I can point to my pictures here

Tom's Flattop Hike

as a place to go to get an idea of the terrain.

[ProfHall]

The thing I'd recommend is a SUN HAT.  I wore a ball cap when I went in late June (left the boonie hat in the car- dumb me) and I burned my neck and ears.  It's the one thing I wish I'd had.  We had sunshine all day long.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Absolutely! This should probably prompt us to make a "MANDATORY ITEMS FOR HIKING" kind of thread to pin for everyone...sun protection is one of those often overlooked but very crucial aspects to a good hike and a safe return. At altitude the UV exposure occurs faster, so using a good SPF lotion is critical, even if you're hiking in and out of shade. (It also helps your skin in the drier atmosphere!) Because it's often cooler up at altitude, we forget the sun issue. Especially if you are hiking with kids, remember to think of the hike as like a time at the pool...they (and you) will need sun protection. A good hat is a great idea!

Do we have a smilie with a floppy hat?









All of these have possiblities...but a LOT of them have some "forum history", too!

Anyway, wear a hat!

[junkie]

For anyone else longing for this hike, we are in park this year from 7/22 through 7/31... this one will probably shoot for on the 26-28th.

We would love to have some company, although patience may be required for all the breaks we might be taking! This one will be an early starter for us too...planning on catching a sunrise on this one!

Chris

[TempestT-37]

For anyone else longing for this hike, we are in park this year from 7/22 through 7/31... this one will probably shoot for on the 26-28th.

We would love to have some company, although patience may be required for all the breaks we might be taking!  This one will be an early starter for us too...planning on catching a sunrise on this one!

Chris

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I will keep that in mind. I will need to check dates of the rendezvous. We have not started making plans yet but we do plan on being there around then.

[TempestT-37]

I am sure we will be out the first week of August and we are going to try for the last week of July. I am planning on Hallett Peak being one of the hikes that my 8 year old son and I do.

[junkie]

Cool. Should u make it up the week before, I am sure my 9 yr old would love having your son do this hike with us...she's a complete tomboy.

Chris

[weatherbe]

I love those pictures Dolenz. Great shots!!

Weather

I am definitely planning this again this year as my big hike. I regret not making it to the top.

As others have said it is a non-stop uphill climb with no real flat sections so pacing yourself to a confortable pace seems a relly good idea.

Looking at the time stamp on the pictures it looks as if it took me just shy of 2 1/2 hours from Bear Lake to the point where I turned back.  This was only my second full day in the park so it was probably too soon to attempt this and I did have to stop and catch my breath a lot!

As always I can point to my pictures here

as a place to go to get an idea of the terrain.